What's the difference between a Forester and a Crosstrek?
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY for people bored with too many details:
The Forester is bigger, inside and out. Young families usually go for the Forester, singles and couples for the Crosstrek (no diaper bags to stuff in the smaller cargo area). Most people think that the Crosstrek looks cooler and more sporty. Crosstrek is a little more nimble because of less weight and lower center of gravity. Only Crosstrek comes with manual transmission option in case you like to row your own. Comparably equipped, the Forester is about $2,000 more expensive. Here are a few of the things you get in the Forester for the extra money:
- Upgraded audio;
- More interior space for people and cargo;
- More luxurious options such as power rear lift gate and heated steering wheel;
- A more powerful 2.5 liter engine compared to the 2.0 liter in the Crosstrek. However, starting with the 2021 model year, the Crosstrek Sport and Limited models have the same 2.5 liter engine that is standard in the Forester.
If you've been driving an older Forester and find the new Foresters are a little too big, you might like the Crosstrek because it's about the same size as the Foresters built before 2014.
Video Comparison
BEFORE WE GET STARTED, WHAT DO THEY HAVE IN COMMON?
All new Foresters and Crosstreks come standard with:
- Many safety features, including symmetrical full-time all wheel drive (with no buttons to push), Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) to prevent skids, anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution, and much more. See our Planet-exclusive Subaru Safety page.
- Many convenience features, including Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio connectivity, air conditioning, keyless entry, cd player, power windows, power mirrors, and much more.
- The utility and all-weather prowess of a sport utility vehicle without the sacrifices in cost, fuel economy, ride, and poor outward visibility.
Both purchased new at Planet come standard with:
- Friendly staff and your undealership experience
- The exclusive Planet Passport Program...tires for life, loaners, and much more!
Review and Specs
Crosstrek | Forester | |
| Ground clearance is identical at just shy of 9 inches. |  |  |
| They are the same width. |  |  |
| Forester is almost six full inches longer. That's a lot, especially when you're parking in Boston. |  |  |
| Forester is four inches taller. And you notice that you sit higher in the Forester, even though both vehicles give you a "command driving position" (the auto industry term that describes that great feeling of sitting high in a vehicle so you can see what's ahead). |  |  |
| Ride Quality The Forester weighs a couple hundred pounds more, so it feels a little more substantial than the Crosstrek. With their raised suspensions, they both have more "travel" than most vehicles. "Travel" is just a fancy way of saying that there is more space for the suspension to compress, which results in a more compliant ride. |  Lots of "dead cat space" between the top of the tire and the bottom of the wheel well. (That's the technical industry term, believe it or not.) |  Even though we hired a dog as our greeter, we really do love cats. Lots of "dead cat space" on the Forester too. |
| Outward Visibility Both use this ingenious little window in the corner so the mirror doesn't block your view. Rearward visibility is great in both cars compared to competitors but Forester is slightly better because of even bigger rear windows. |  |  |
| Price Comparably equipped, the Forester is $2,000 more, which buys you everything described in the executive summary above. | ||
| Engine Crosstrek offers an optional 2.5 liter engine which comes on the Sport and Limited models. It's available only with an automatic and returns 26 city, 34 highway. |  2.0 liter four cylinder |  2.5 liter four cylinder |
| Fuel Economy Standard engines in both cars run regular unleaded. All new Foresters and Crosstreks come standard with an automatic. Manuals are no longer available. | Continuously variable automatic transmission: Optional Hybrid engine: 36 city, 36 highway | Continuously variable automatic transmission: Optional Hybrid engine: 35 city, 34 highway |
| Lots more! Visit our Crosstrek and Forester centers for much more detail. | Crosstrek Showroom | Forester Showroom |
Search our inventory for your next vehicle!
Planet helps those in Boston, Cambridge, South Shore, North Shore, and Quincy decide between the Subaru Crosstrek and the Subaru Forester.
* Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title or non-infringement. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Price does not include applicable tax, title, and license. Not responsible for typographical errors.
What's the Difference Between the Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek?
At Planet Subaru in Hanover, MA, we are always pleased to help our customers choose between the Subaru Forester and Subaru Crosstrek. These are two of the best-selling Subaru models for good reason, and we want to help you pick the right vehicle for your lifestyle in Boston. Here is how the 2026 Subaru Forester and 2026 Subaru Crosstrek compare.
Performance
The Forester and Crosstrek both come standard with a 2.5-liter Subaru Boxer® four-cylinder engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive. This setup produces 180 horsepower for the Forester and 182 horsepower for the Crosstrek. Both vehicles offer a hybrid engine option that generates 194 total horsepower, with an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 35 mpg combined for the Forester Hybrid and 35 mpg combined for the Crosstrek Hybrid.
Design
The Forester and Crosstrek are both classified as compact SUVs with five seats, with the Forester being the larger of the two. The Forester is 181.3 inches long, 68.1 inches high, and has a wheelbase of 105.1 inches. The Crosstrek is 176.4 inches long, 62.8 inches high, with the same 105.1-inch wheelbase as the Forester.
The Forester has 140.4 cubic feet of total interior space, with 29.6 cubic feet for cargo behind the rear seats and 74.4 cubic feet for storage with the rear seats lowered. The Crosstrek has an interior volume of 120.4 cubic feet, with 19.9 cubic feet of rear cargo volume and up to 54.7 cubic feet for cargo with the rear seats lowered.
Which One is Right for Me?
The Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester both have a lot to offer to Plymouth, MA, drivers. With similar performance specs and features, choosing the right one for your lifestyle comes down to your specific needs. The larger interior of the Forester makes it a hit with Brockton families who appreciate the extra space. Meanwhile, the Crosstrek's smaller frame, combined with an identical wheelbase to the Forester, gives it nimble handling that plenty of our customers love.
The best way to pick which small SUV is right for you in Weymouth is to visit Planet Subaru and take the Subaru Crosstrek and Subaru Forester for a test drive. To schedule your test drive, contact us.
